How do you study psychiatry?

Psychiatrists are first trained as doctors who undertake four years of university study, including some teaching and experience in psychiatry, to gain their basic medical qualifications.

They then work as interns in a general hospital for a further 12 months to become registered medical practitioners, followed by at least another year as Resident Medical Officers.

A panel of psychiatrists in each state interviews each applicant for the Psychiatric Training Program who must also provide extensive references regarding their work performance and suitability.

In Australia and New Zealand, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) conducts specialist training for doctors to qualify as psychiatrists.

The College’s program for post-graduate training in psychiatry takes a minimum of five years, during which time doctors work under supervision in hospitals and community clinics with children, families, adults and the elderly on a full range of psychiatric problems.

Training in psychiatry requires mandatory supervision by experienced, qualified psychiatrists. Rigorous examinations are conducted throughout their training during which their experience and competence are tested.

Only if these strict training and examination requirements are completed can doctors be elected as Fellows of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

(Courtesy of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists - www.ranzcp.org)